Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

There’s something magical about baking cookies that fills the house with warmth and nostalgia. For me, the Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies recipe is a treasure I stumbled upon during a visit to a quaint Amish bakery. The combination of sweet cherries, nutty almonds, and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the cookie instantly won me over. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug in every bite, and I knew I had to bring it home to share with my family and friends.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are humble, yet the flavors are anything but ordinary. The almond extract adds a subtle depth, while the cherries bring a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly balances the buttery cookie base. Whether you’re baking these for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, just as they have in mine.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Butter: The foundation of any great cookie, butter adds richness and a tender crumb. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe.

Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture. It also helps the cookies spread slightly while baking.

Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft and chewy.

Almond Extract: This is the secret ingredient that gives the cookies their distinctive nutty flavor. A little goes a long way, so measure carefully.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie dough, flour provides structure. Be sure to measure it correctly to avoid dry or dense cookies.

Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light and airy texture.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Maraschino Cherries: These add a pop of color and a sweet, tangy flavor. Chop them finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.

Sliced Almonds: These add a delightful crunch and complement the almond extract beautifully.

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped
½ cup sliced almonds

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender cookie.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Almond Extract

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Almonds

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and sliced almonds. This adds texture and flavor to every bite.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, enjoy!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
Chop Cherries Thoroughly: Finely chopping the cherries ensures they distribute evenly and don’t overwhelm any single bite.
Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Toast the Almonds: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the dough.
Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While you can use fresh cherries, maraschino cherries add a unique sweetness and color that’s hard to replicate. If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and chop them finely.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I omit the almonds?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can leave them out or substitute them with another nut, like pecans or walnuts.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This could be due to overly soft butter or a warm baking sheet. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and let your baking sheets cool between batches.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Enjoy baking these delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies! They’re a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and love.